More Reasons Not to Waste Your Failure

Four more weeks and I've discovered twice as many reasons not to squander the gift in the brown bag, failure.

1. I will waste my failure if it skews my view of God.

“For the LORD is good;

His lovingkindness is everlasting

And His faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 100:5).

2. I will waste my failure if I do not know God’s nearness.

“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted

And saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

3. I will waste my failure if I do not humble.

“Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10).

4. I will waste my failure if I turn inward to self-protect.

“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all” (Philippians 2:17).

5. I will waste my failure if joy disappears.

“You, too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me” (Philippians 2:18).

6. I will waste my failure if I my thinking remains unchanged.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

7. I will waste my failure if I do not ask to be taught.

“You are good and do good;

Teach me Your statutes” (Psalm 119:68).

8. I will waste my failure if I do not consider God may have something greater.

“But just as it is written,

THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN

AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD,

AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN,

ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM”

(1 Corinthians 2:9).

It's tempting to rid myself of any trace of failure, but I have a suspicion that would be a little like pawning family silver. I'd regret the waste.